Hockeyroos Beaten in Champions Trophy Swansong

Australia has suffered a heavy defeat in the final of the
Champions Trophy in China, going down 5-1 to the Netherlands in the last edition
of the tournament before the new FIH Pro League.

The Dutch proved too strong, extending a winning sequence
that now stands at 43 international matches as they claimed a seventh title and
held onto the top world ranking which they’ve owned since October, 2011.

The Hockeyroos despite defeat, will take confidence from a
campaign that saw the emergence of new names – including Western Australian
debutant Penny Squibb – compete well on the big stage.

Australia retains third place in the international rankings
behind Great Britain and will feel confident that they can continue to close
ground on the Netherlands in the period ahead towards the next Olympics in
2020.

In the final hosted in Changzhou, the Netherlands started
strongly, scoring goals in the eighth and 11th minutes to hold a 2-0
advantage at half-time. A goal to Madison Fitzpatrick shortly after the break
rekindled Australian hopes, but the Dutch women were too clinical in attack
adding a further three goals to round out comprehensive 5-1 winners.

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said the team had hoped to
perform better but conceded they were beaten by a better team.

"We didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked. We did some
good things today but we need to understand there’s another level we need to
get to.”

He added: "We made some chances which was pleasing compared
to the first game against them (when Australia lost 3-0).

"Credit to them, they’re a quality side. They don’t need too
many chances to put goals on the scoreboard.

"We want to play more matches against quality teams and you
don’t get any better than Holland at the moment. We embraced this opportunity
today.”